Gray missed Friday's practice while dealing with an ankle injury and was ruled out for the game.

Browner (groin) and Hightower (shoulder) were both questionable coming into the contest.

The Patriots have also clinched a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Ryan Wendell

News

Patriots rookie center Bryan Stork (knee) was unable to practice for the second straight day Thursday as the team prepared for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Colts. Ryan Wendell is expected to start in Stork's spot.

New England is a 6.5-point favorite.

Nate Solder

News

Patriots offensive lineman Nate Solder is expecting to be ready for New England's playoff game next week after leaving Sunday's game against the Bills due to a knee injury.

"I practiced this week and I'll be full practice next week. Everything I'm doing is preparing and doing everything I can, and I'll be ready to go when the game comes," Solder said Thursday, per ESPN.

Hightower totaled 89 tackles with six sacks and one forced fumble in 2014, helping lead New England to the Super Bowl. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Hightower played the Super Bowl with "mostly one arm" because of the injury.

Gray, who ran for 412 yards on 89 carries in eight games this season, had four carries for four yards in the AFC Championship game for New England. It was his first action in a game since Dec. 21 againt the Jets when he had six carries for five yards.

It's the third time the team has used the franchise tag on a kicker, having previously tagged Adam Vinatier in 2002 and 2005. The designation puts Gostkowski in line to earn $4.126 million in 2015. He mae 35 of his 37 field goals in 2014, and his 94.6 percent rate was the best of his career.

With Gostkowski being tagged, Patriots safety Devin McCourty, who was a strong candidate to receive the tag, is set to reach free agency on March 10 if he doesn't re-sign with the team before free agency opens.

Dion Lewis

News

The Colts waived running back Dion Lewis and signed defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles off the Patriots' practice squad. Indianapolis also signed guard David Arkin to its practice squad while releasing guard Josh Walker from the squad.

The Patriots have announced the re-signing of offensive lineman Chris Barker to the practice squad and the release of defensive end Ben Bass .

Bass played in two games with Dallas in 2012, but none since.

Chris White

News

The Patriots listed 18 players on its final injury report for Week 17 against Buffalo. Quarterback Tom Brady (ankle) was the only player on the report listed as probable, while running back Jonas Gray (ankle) and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring) were ruled out. The rest were deemed questionable.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's contract for $4.75 million in 2015 base salary and $250,000 in workout bonuses became fully guaranteed Friday, according to CBSSports.com's Joel Corry.

Gronkowski caught 82 passes for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns in the 2014 regular season. In five seasons, Gronkowski has 308 catches for 4,379 yards and 54 touchdowns in just 65 games for New England. He is under contract through 2019, when he is scheduled to have a base salary of $9 million.

All except Brady were limited participants in practice Friday. The only question mark is center Bryan Stork, who is questionable with a knee injury and was limited in practice Friday.

The Patriots are currently 1-point favorites against Seattle.

Alfonzo Dennard

News

The Patriots placed cornerback Alfonzo Dennard on season-ending injured reserve with a hamstring injury, reports Field Yates of ESPN on Saturday. Dennard appeared in only six games this season, registering 15 combined tackles and one interception -- all season lows.

In corresponding moves, the Patriots elevated wide receiver Josh Boyce from the practice squad to take the spot of Dennard on the 53-man active roster. They re-signed Dax Swanson to the practice squad and released defensive lineman Cam Henderson.

"I'm excited about it," Ridley told Sirius XM Radio Friday. "As a player coming into the league, you get there and your first contract you kind of have to establish yourself and see what you can do. Everybody is a good player if you get to make it to the NFL, but there is something to be said if you get to that second contract."

Ridley has rushed for 2,817 yards and 22 touchdowns in his first four seasons in the league with the Patriots.

"Where I'll be playing, and who I'll be playing for, is still unknown, but I know I've come in and done my job up to this point and now I have to put it in my agent's hands to get me on another team, or stay where I'm at, and make sure I’m in pads playing ball somewhere next year. I know if you think about it too much it will worry you sick."

Ridley has played in 20 of a possible 32 games the last two seasons, starting in just 11 of them.

"I take it personal to any team or anybody that says I can't be a very productive player on whatever team I land on," he said. "I've been playing ball my whole life, I'm going to come in and be a leader, and I'm going to be a guy that comes in and busts his butt in the weight room and busts his butt on the field. I'm a good teammate, I have fun with my guys, but when the lights come on Sundays, it's all business and I plan on going out there and making plays."

Gray, who ran for 412 yards on 89 carries in eight games this season, had four carries for four yards in the AFC Championship game for New England. It was his first action in a game since Dec. 21 againt the Jets when he had six carries for five yards.

Gray, who ran for 412 yards on 89 carries in eight games this season, had four carries for four yards in the AFC Championship game for New England. It was his first action in a game since Dec. 21 againt the Jets when he had six carries for five yards.

The game is currently pick'em between Seattle and New England Sunday.

Devin McCourty

News

With the Patriots deciding to use their franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski, safety Devin McCourty knows his time in New England could be coming to an end.

In an interview with ESPN's Josina Anderson, McCourty said he didn't have much information on what the Patriots would do and was going off of various media reports that came down to the organization deciding whether to franchise him or Gostkowski.

Now that Gostkowski is ineligible from hitting the free agent market, McCourty will test the waters beginning on March 10.

"I guess it's more realistic now that [there's] a chance that I might not be back there," McCourty said. "Or there's still a chance that I will, but I guess [there's] more of a chance now with the franchise tag going to Steve that I could be playing in a different place. Still, keeping an open mind and trying to enjoy the process."

In 2014, McCourty recorded 68 tackles and two interceptions.

Julian Edelman

News

Much was made of whether Patriots receiver Julian Edelman sustained a concussion or not during New England's 28-24 Super Bowl win over the Seahawks.

In an interview with the New York Times that published Saturday, Edelman did nothing to quell the speculation as to rather he had one or didn't. Citing team policy, Edelman would not answer if he was diagnosed with a concussion or not.

Asked if he underwent testing, Edelman did give an answer.

"I went through all the protocols," Edelman said.

Edelman took a hit to the head in the fourth quarter from Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor. Though he appeared dazed, he stayed in the game. After scoring that series, Edelman eventually caught what would be the game-winning three-yard touchdown with 2:06 left in the game.

Edelman finished the Super Bowl with nine receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown.

Patriots rookie safety Duron Harmon made an interception for the second straight game, returning it 42 yards in the Week 9 win over the Steelers. He added four tackles, giving him eight tackles and three passes defended this season.

Danny Aiken

News

The Patriots listed 18 players on its final injury report for Week 17 against Buffalo. Quarterback Tom Brady (ankle) was the only player on the report listed as probable, while running back Jonas Gray (ankle) and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring) were ruled out. The rest were deemed questionable.

Patriots special teamer Matthew Slater told reporters that the NFL Players Association has "instructed" New England players to not publicly address Deflategate, according to the team's official website. The 29-year-old Slater is a team representative for the union.

"I'd love to get into that with you, but we have been instructed by our union as players to reserve comment on this situation," Slater said. "It's an ongoing investigation, so in order to protect our players, we’re going to go ahead and not talk about that."

The NFL found 11 of 12 game balls the Patriots used in the first half in Sunday's AFC Championship against the Colts were significantly underinflated after being deemed legal before the game. The investigation is being led by NFL executive vice president Jeff Pash and Ted Wells. The league has yet to release its findings.

Coach Bill Belichick also addressed the media in an impromptu press conference to reveal that his team conducted an "internal study," which revealed that the Patriots "followed every rule to the letter."

Like Slater, Belichick vowed not to speak on Deflategate again. New England will square off against Seattle in the Super Bowl on Feb. 1.

The Patriots have brought back wide receiver Jonathan Krause less than a week after releasing him. They have waived defensive lineman Kona Schwenke to make room for Krause.

Dax Swanson

News

The Patriots placed cornerback Alfonzo Dennard on season-ending injured reserve with a hamstring injury, reports Field Yates of ESPN on Saturday. Dennard appeared in only six games this season, registering 15 combined tackles and one interception -- all season lows.

In corresponding moves, the Patriots elevated wide receiver Josh Boyce from the practice squad to take the spot of Dennard on the 53-man active roster. They re-signed Dax Swanson to the practice squad and released defensive lineman Cam Henderson.

Darrelle Revis

News

Patriots president Jonathan Kraft said that the team plans to "get to work" on negotiating a contract extension for CB Darrelle Revis.

Appearing on the Dennis & Callahan show on Boston radio station WEEI, Kraft said that Revis' current contract for 2015, which would count $25 million against the salary cap, is just "a placeholder".

"He's been everything and more since he's been here," Kraft said of Revis. "Hopefully both sides want to make a deal and we'll be able to get one done."

Morris received a setback when he hurt his leg in the final preseason game Thursday.

Injury

Undisclosed - IR. Out for season

Kyle Arrington

News

In two losses against the Patriots this season, including Sunday's 45-7 loss in the AFC title game, Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton was bottled up offensively. Hilton had just three catches for 24 yards in a 42-20 loss Nov. 16 and had one catch for 36 yards Sunday.

"Coach (Bill) Belichick, he did the same thing, had the same game plan -- Kyle Arrington on me, (safety Devin McCourty) over the top," Hilton said, per ESPN. "They took away everything. When I tried to go across the middle, they had the linebackers drop. The linebackers hit me to try to disrupt me. It pretty much was the same game plan as last time. They did a pretty good job of taking me away."

"You know Kyle really stepped up; played T.Y. good," Belichick said. "T.Y. is a great receiver. He’s got outstanding speed and quickness, and he’s a tough guy to cover on all routes: short, intermediate, deep. He had a great catch on the sideline dragging his feet. It was a perfect throw and a great catch. But that’s what it’s like playing against them. But Kyle competed really well. He jammed, and he and Devin did a real good job on T.Y."

Ryan Allen

News

Patriots punter Ryan Allen, who was questionable with a shoulder injury, is active for the AFC Championship Game at Denver.

Gray, who 89 carries for 412 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season, is dealing with an ankle injury. Gray was listed as probable throughout the week.

The Patriots are 7-point favorites against Baltimore Saturday.

Eric Martin

News

The Browns announced several roster moves on Saturday, per FOX Sports Ohio. The team promoted quarterback Connor Shaw and defensive lineman Jamie Meder from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster. In a corresponding move, Cleveland waived linebacker Eric Martin and tight end Ryan Taylor.

Alan Branch

News

The Patriots announced they've signed defensive tackle Alan Branch and released linebacker Deontae Skinner. Branch was released by Buffalo in August following his DUI arrest.

Josh Kline

News

Patriots rookie starting center Bryan Stork is not practicing Wednesday, reports MassLive.com. He suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of the playoff win over Baltimore and did not return.

If Stork can't play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Colts, right guard Ryan Wendell will start at center with Josh Kline replacing Wendell.

New England is a 6.5-point home favorite.

Michael Hoomanawanui

News

Patriots tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Michael Hoomanawanui were fined $8,268 apiece for their roles in a brawl at the end of New England's 28-24 Super Bowl XLIX victory, according to the Everett Herald.

With the Seahawks on the one yard line, Butler read a wide receiver slant. He broke on the ball, and managed to come up with the interception to clinch the game for New England. Smith gained three yards on the play, getting the team out of the endzone. He finished with three tackles and two passes defensed.

Jonathan Casillas

News

The Patriots traded for Buccaneers linebacker Jonathan Casillas, reports NFL Network. He has nine tackles in five games this season. It was not immediately known what New England gave up.

Michael Buchanan

News

The Patriots announced Monday they reinstated cornerback Brandon Browner and wide receiver Brian Tyms, who both had their roster exemptions lifted after serving four-game suspensions to begin the season.

Gray, who ran for 412 yards on 89 carries in eight games this season, had four carries for four yards in the AFC Championship game for New England. It was his first action in a game since Dec. 21 againt the Jets when he had six carries for five yards.

The game is currently pick'em between Seattle and New England Sunday.

Jamie Collins

News

The Patriots listed 18 players on its final injury report for Week 17 against Buffalo. Quarterback Tom Brady (ankle) was the only player on the report listed as probable, while running back Jonas Gray (ankle) and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring) were ruled out. The rest were deemed questionable.

Whether the Patriots are able to hang onto running back Shane Vereen or not, it looks like his price tag is set.

According to a the Boston Herald, Vereen is looking for a contract worth $5 million per season. Vereen apparently prefers to stay in New England, though his current price tag might force the Patriots to let him walk when March 10 rolls around.

As a running back with a specialized role in New England's offense, Vereen ran for 391 yards and two touchdowns on 96 carries and caught 52 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns.

Timothy Wright

News

The Patriots backup pass catchers did little Week 13 against the Packers.

Julian Edelman actually turned in a decent game despite dealing with an injury. He hauled in seven catches for 48 yards. Edelman missed time with a thigh injury, but was able to return to the contest. Michael Hoomanawanui caught one ball, gaining 23 yards. Timothy Wright also hauled in one pass, gaining 12 yards.

The group will take on the Chargers Week 14.

Chandler Jones

News

The Patriots listed 18 players on its final injury report for Week 17 against Buffalo. Quarterback Tom Brady (ankle) was the only player on the report listed as probable, while running back Jonas Gray (ankle) and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring) were ruled out. The rest were deemed questionable.

Blount and Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell were pulled over and arrested for pot possession in August, a day before a preseason game. Blount satisfied his penalty by working community service in Boston. He will not have to appear in court in Pittsburgh next week.

Brandon LaFell

News

The Patriots methodically matriculated their way down the field to grab a 7-0 lead over the Seahawks with 9:47 left in the second quarter.

Gilbert is a rookie who was cut by St. Louis before the regular season. Maneri earned some playing time with Kansas City in 2012 and 2013, as well as Chicago this season.

Jonas Gray

News

Jonas Gray burst on the scene for the Patriots last season, rushing for 201 yards and four touchdowns in a Sunday night game. Just as quickly, he was gone.

Gray overslept and was late for practice, and coach Bill Belichick didn't give him another chance to showcase his skills. Gray was inactive for the Super Bowl.

Gray learned his lesson. "The tough part for me was to watch it, and not participate in a matter I thought I should," he told Dan Hanzus of NFL.com. "But it's motivation going into the offseason. I just know I need to work harder, so I'll never get myself in that position again."

Still on the Patriots, Gray believes he'll get a clean slate next season, and he's spending the offseason preparing himself for the opportunity.

I tell them, I'm going to have a Jerry Rice/Walter Payton mentality where whatever you do isn't enough," Gray said. "I'm going to have a work ethic where I know, in my heart of hearts, I'm going to outwork everybody. That's what I hope to achieve

Gray, who ran for 412 yards on 89 carries in eight games this season, had four carries for four yards in the AFC Championship game for New England. It was his first action in a game since Dec. 21 againt the Jets when he had six carries for five yards.

The game is currently pick'em between Seattle and New England Sunday.

Tom Brady

News

Tom Brady was named MVP of Super Bowl XLIX, but the Patriots quarterback wants to reward a teammate that saved the game.

Brady's MVP honor included a red 2015 Chevrolet Colorado truck. Since he wouldn't have won the game or his third Super Bowl MVP honor without a game-saving interception by defensive back Malcolm Butler, Brady wants to share the wealth.

"I I would love to give him the truck," Brady said on Boston's WEEI radio, Tuesday morning. "I would love to do that. I’m going to figure out how to make that work."

Butler made an interception on the Patriots' goal line in the final minute, preventing the Seahawks from scoring a game-winning touchdown.

Easley has been a virtual non-factor this year with just seven tackles and one sack in 11 games.

Logan Ryan

News

Patriots defensive back Logan Ryan turned in a solid performance as he came down with a pair of interceptions during Sunday’s game against the Ravens in Week 16.

Ryan picked off Joe Flacco in the opening and third quarters, respectively. He finished the game with one tackle and three defended passes in a 41-7 victory. He surpassed Aqib Talib for the most interceptions (five) on the team. He also leads all NFL rookies in interceptions this season.

Gray missed Friday's practice while dealing with an ankle injury and was ruled out for the game.

Browner (groin) and Hightower (shoulder) were both questionable coming into the contest.

The Patriots have also clinched a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Danny Amendola

News

Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola had five catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns in New England's 35-31 win over the Ravens Saturday.

Amendola caught his first touchdown when quarterback Tom Brady found him in the endzone for a 15-yard strike. The second came after Brady threw a backwards pass to receiver Julian Edelman, who then found Amendola streaking down the field for a 51-yard touchdown to tie the game in the third quarter.

It was Amendola's best receiving game of the season and only the second time he surpassed 50 yards receiving.

"He was talking about, 'When I go up there (to Foxboro) and they see me again, I want to make sure they know I'm in the best shape of my life.' He is really determined," Fischer said. "That is the underlying theme every day: 'Hey, I've got to be ready when April comes, be ready as far as the best shape of my life.' It's frustrating with two years of freaky-type stuff."

Dobson finished a disappointing 2014 season with three catches for 38 yards.

"He is doing great," Fischer said. "I'm really excited for him. He has put the time and effort into it, comes in early, gets all his work in and he is hungry. There are a few specific things we found, minor little things we're working on, that make his program a little bit unique to everybody else's. Nothing major."

Gray, who ran for 412 yards on 89 carries in eight games this season, had four carries for four yards in the AFC Championship game for New England. It was his first action in a game since Dec. 21 againt the Jets when he had six carries for five yards.

The game is currently pick'em between Seattle and New England Sunday.

Bryan Stork

News

Patriots center Bryan Stork is dealing with an MCL injury in his knee, but is expected to start the Super Bowl on Sunday against the Seahawks, sources told the NFL Network.

Stork suffered the injury during the divisional playoff game against the Ravens. He was recently upgraded from questionable to probable.

The Patriots were favored by one-point, but the line has moved to pick'em.

Rob Ninkovich

News

The Patriots listed 18 players on its final injury report for Week 17 against Buffalo. Quarterback Tom Brady (ankle) was the only player on the report listed as probable, while running back Jonas Gray (ankle) and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring) were ruled out. The rest were deemed questionable.